behind the bar: enjoy cupcakes’ ginger lime margarita

“Chardonnay cake over a buttery, fresh ginger graham-cracker crust, filled with lime curd and topped with lime frosting and sugared lime zest” is the new standard against which I measure all cupcakes. I am not even sure why I bothered to eat cupcakes before now. This tantalizingly tasty treat is one of the most popular cupcakes at Enjoy Cupcakes in Santa Ynez, CA, and also the inspiration for today’s drink. Alissa and I are both so excited to be featuring the Ginger Lime Margarita as created by Enjoy Cupcakes’ co-owners, Amber and Kevin. (By the way, Kevin’s official title at the bakery is C.E.T. or chief executive taster — I mean, come on, how sweet is that job?!). This family-run business sells baked creations at Saarlos & Sons in Los Olivos, CA, and they also do weddings and other private parties where guests get served cupcakes directly from their lovingly restored vintage Shasta trailer. Need a little icing on your cupcake today? The beautiful photos were taken by the incredibly talented Jose Villa, so you’re also in for a visual treat :) — Ryan & Alissa

One of our most popular cupcake flavors is the Ginger Lime Chardonnay (Chardonnay cake over a buttery, fresh ginger graham-cracker crust, filled with lime curd and topped with lime frosting and sugared lime zest). We chose to translate this customer favorite from a cupcake into a mixed drink, and the margarita just seemed to pair perfectly. The first piece of furniture Kevin bought was this very old, authentic, rustic Mexican trastero (traditional Mexican kitchen cabinet). The piece has always been important to us, as Kevin and I first met inside of the furniture store where the trastero was purchased over 10 years ago. It made perfect sense to use the trastero to showcase the Ginger Lime Margarita ingredients and process.

4. Zest fresh ginger over the glass or pitcher (omit or add more to taste).

5. Strain the mixture with a fine sieve into another cup or a pitcher full of ice.

6. To garnish, rub lime wedge along the rim of your glass and dip it into the graham-cracker sugar mixture. Sprinkle sugared lime zest on a lime wedge and add to the glass rim.

About Amber and KevinKevin and I own and operate Enjoy Cupcakes. I am the Baker, and Kevin’s self-made title is the C.E.T (Chief Executive Taster). We are located inside a fun wine-tasting lounge in Los Olivos, California (Saarlos & Sons), and are known for our wine-infused cupcakes, wine and cupcake pairings and our ever-growing list of cupcake flavors (over 250 to date). You can check out Enjoy Cupcakes’ current menu for this week here.

P.S. Those neat little heart banners (handmade prayer flag) can be found here on Etsy.

I have been an observer of D*S, but today I have become a subscriber! I have loved this blog for a long time because you cover all my interests, design, food, drink,I could go on.. I have been lost in your pages for the past 2 hours. I just love the idea of adding ginger to the Margarita cocktail can’t wait to try it.The cupcakes sound delicious too!

Thanks so much for all the comments & questions. We were so stoked to do this post. I’ve been following design sponge since 2003, during my days as a graphic design studio manager (the best part of my job was trend research and design sponge was my “go to”). Jose Villa is magical (as are his photographs). Regarding cupcake recipe, Kevin has me under a strict NDA & confidentiality agreement! Devon, let the ginger seep for about 5 minutes (very good question). For even more ginger flavor, after straining it, push down on the ginger that remains in the strainer to “squeeze” out all the ginger goodness! The beautiful tequila bottle came from the Hacienda where Jose holds his Mexico workshops (more incentive to attend!). Let us know if you have any other questions. ~ Amber

I love Enjoy! I have the great pleasure of moonlighting at one of the neighboring wineries and I always pick up some cupcakes on my work days! There is always a line out the door and if you don’t get there early, they will be gone!

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